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AIBU to ask for your recommendations for best chocolates available in UK.

163 replies

LadyMacbethWasFierce · 16/01/2026 15:55

I have recently had a huge life changing bereavement (loss of my daughter - I have posted about this on other threads).

The point of this thread is something quite superficial. I have barely eaten for 3 months and have lost lots of weight.

I never had much of a sweet tooth, but think I might fancy some really delicious chocolates and my wonderful friend has offered to buy me some and, on this occasion, cost is not really material.

I like milk and dark chocolate (not white), cream and truffle and ganache. I quite like a crispy coating. And fruit flavours. Do not want alcohol in them. So no champagne truffles. I like peppermint. And marzipan. And coconut. I like nuts ordinarily, but am struggling to swallow food (only eating soup) so probably best to avoid nuts at the moment.

I once had some Leonidas chocolates that I liked. My friend suggested Godiva or Audreys. Neither of us have ever had those.

Can anyone help me please with a suggestion for some really lovely chocolates that are readily available for the UK and that might restore a bit of my appetite.

Thank you in advance.

OP posts:
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AnotherEmma · 16/01/2026 21:15

I'm so very sorry for your loss, OP.

You've had lots of great suggestions (as well as a few that completely miss the mark, not M&S or Thorntons, people Grin) but I just wanted to add mine: Hill St Chocolatier, it really is divine (and I'm obsessed with chocolate!)

I quite like Hotel Chocolat or even Lindt but they're not special enough for this occasion. You really do need artisan handmade chocolates.

Fresh Artisan Handmade Chocolates - Saffron Walden and Cambridge Shop

Our signature range of luxury chocolates, made with the finest natural and local ingredients span from the classics to bold and alluring new flavours. They come beautifully matched and boxed in sizes to suit all – from personal treats to elegant gifts,...

https://www.hill.st

Papyrophile · 16/01/2026 21:13

Hobbs knock most of these mass market commercial recommendations out of the ball park. Not quite willing to claim that they are better than Pierre Marcolini (Belgian) who IMO make the world's best chocolate, but definitely the best the UK made chocolates t I've ever eaten.

MrsSPenguins · 16/01/2026 21:09

Sorry for your loss. Fortnum and Mason do lots of nice chocolates, also have lovely hot chocolate (milk, salted caramel and dark) and lovely biscuits (lemon curd are lovely).

Clumsykitten · 16/01/2026 21:05

You mention Leonidas in your post @LadyMacbethWasFierce. In my view they are right up there with the best and you can buy them in the uk. Quite a lot of the recommendations are nowhere near the same quality.

in person
https://www.leonidas.com/gb_en/shops

Online
https://leonidas-kensington.com/products/copy-of-leonidas-belgian-assorted-chocolate-ballotin-box-2

Our shops in the UK

Find your nearest Leonidas shop to buy our pralines and other chocolate treats.

https://www.leonidas.com/gb_en/shops?f%5B0%5D=first_letter%3Ao&facets_query=

Christwosheds · 16/01/2026 21:02

LadyMacbethWasFierce · 16/01/2026 15:55

I have recently had a huge life changing bereavement (loss of my daughter - I have posted about this on other threads).

The point of this thread is something quite superficial. I have barely eaten for 3 months and have lost lots of weight.

I never had much of a sweet tooth, but think I might fancy some really delicious chocolates and my wonderful friend has offered to buy me some and, on this occasion, cost is not really material.

I like milk and dark chocolate (not white), cream and truffle and ganache. I quite like a crispy coating. And fruit flavours. Do not want alcohol in them. So no champagne truffles. I like peppermint. And marzipan. And coconut. I like nuts ordinarily, but am struggling to swallow food (only eating soup) so probably best to avoid nuts at the moment.

I once had some Leonidas chocolates that I liked. My friend suggested Godiva or Audreys. Neither of us have ever had those.

Can anyone help me please with a suggestion for some really lovely chocolates that are readily available for the UK and that might restore a bit of my appetite.

Thank you in advance.

I like Audrey’s and the boxes are lovely. Fortnum and Mason are also very good for classic chocolates in beautiful boxes.

mrsfollowill · 16/01/2026 21:02

Sorry for your loss- I struggle to eat when stressed and these tempt me every time Assorted Chocolates – Holdsworth Chocolates they do all sorts of selections and sizes. If you like mint chocolate highly recommend Bendicks Bittermints already mentioned. As the same suggests Holdsworths are an English chocolatiers from Bakewell .

Papyrophile · 16/01/2026 21:00

LadyMacbethWasFierce · 16/01/2026 20:31

Oh @Papyrophile - have you tried the Hobbs chocolates? They are very close to me and I’m ashamed to say I’ve never heard of them.

They are wonderful, and very pleasant people, and the chocolates are delicious. We buy them at Christmas, but also give them as gifts because they are so clearly very very special.

Gemstar3 · 16/01/2026 20:58

So sorry for your loss OP. Not quite what you asked and definitely do get the lovely box of truffles too, but if you’re struggling to swallow solids I highly recommend the gower cottage brownie butter - it can just be eaten from a teaspoon and has the consistency of chocolate spread so might be easier for you to swallow at the moment. Also has a nutty taste but is completely smooth: https://www.gowercottagebrownies.co.uk/original-brownie-butter

JustforAlice · 16/01/2026 20:53

Leonidas have a store in London and online. I’d send you some if I could.

lifeonmars100 · 16/01/2026 20:52

I am so very sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts. Another vote for Prestat, (not sure I have spelt that right). I have had them myself and given them as gifts

fashionqueen0123 · 16/01/2026 20:48

LadyMacbethWasFierce · 16/01/2026 16:46

Thank you all. The past 12 weeks have been beyond grim. My younger daughter is sitting with me now helping me choose some chocolates and we have our candles lit and there is a tiny amount of pleasure to be had in anticipating a small chocolate delivery.

I’m sure hotel chocolat did a subscription type thing at one point. So lots of nice surprises in the post

Comefromaway · 16/01/2026 20:46

Neuhaus, Venchi or Laderach. They are a cut above Leonidas.

I’ve never tried Audrey’s so can’t comment on those.

Scarlettpixie · 16/01/2026 20:46

Before I went vegan, I always loved Thorntons Continentals. They are local to me. Not sure how they are perceived nationally.

LoveSandbanks · 16/01/2026 20:46

I did a chocolate tasting tour in London. The only place I remember (possibly because it was one of my favourites) is Prestat. I really love good chocolate but it’s very hard to find these days.

LucyLoo1972 · 16/01/2026 20:44

Lastandfirst · 16/01/2026 16:22

Sorry for your loss.
My most favourite box is the Swiss Choclates from M&S. Not one I don’t like.

im munching my way through a box of these at the moment

ThatFairy · 16/01/2026 20:43

My favourite is Hotel Chocolat, particularly the little gingerbread men

Allisnotlost1 · 16/01/2026 20:43

Laderach are gorgeous, lots of great flavours. Neuhaus is another high quality option.

i hope you find something that gives you a little bit of joy and helps you through.

Snicksnacksnora · 16/01/2026 20:41

I’m so sorry for your loss!!
I have had some from here before

https://www.wickedtemper.co.uk

very delicious! :)

Chocolate | Wicked Temper

From individual chocolates to full bars Wicked Temper has the ideal gift for you

https://www.wickedtemper.co.uk

Talapia · 16/01/2026 20:37

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. Everything must be overwhelming right now.

I'd say Kennedy's chocolates are the best, better than Audrey"s. You can pick your own selection, so get exactly what you like. They deliver.

I hope you find something you like.

Noseybear38 · 16/01/2026 20:35

CrapNewYear · 16/01/2026 16:22

The cognac truffle logs are amazing from Friars. A Christmas staple for me.

neuhaus do very expensive praline based chocolates. They have shops in Harrogate, Chester, Bath and London where you can build your own box to suit or buy boxes from John Lewis.

Sorry for your loss.

HewasH2O · 16/01/2026 20:35

https://www.chococo.co.uk/non-alcoholic-selection-box-medium.html?gl=11g70aiq_upMQ..gsMQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIt6GyiSQkgMVrYBQBh3gfgy6EAAYASAAEgL8pfD_BwE

Try these, made in Swanage and alcohol free. They hand pick the boxes, so I'm sure you could specify no white chocolates.

Procrastihater · 16/01/2026 20:33

Kreuzberg chocolates are a small chocolate business. I was given a selection box as a present and it was the best I have ever had. Every single one utterly delicious and such interesting and creative flavours. Made with really high quality ingredients, and a small business too. A couple in my box did have alcohol, so maybe enquire about an alcohol free box. But believe me, I have eaten alot of chocolates and these are really standout. Each one is like a whole experience xx

LadyMacbethWasFierce · 16/01/2026 20:31

Oh @Papyrophile - have you tried the Hobbs chocolates? They are very close to me and I’m ashamed to say I’ve never heard of them.

OP posts: